Ukraine Denies Civilian Casualties in Kherson Hotel Drone Strike

Ukraine's military has denied targeting civilians in a drone strike on a hotel in the Russian-occupied southern Kherson region, insisting that only "military targets" were hit. The statement came on January 2, 2026, a day after Russian-installed authorities accused Kyiv of deliberately attacking a hotel and cafe in Khorly, a Black Sea resort town under occupation since early 2022. Moscow claimed the strike killed 27 people, including two children, who were celebrating New Year's Eve, labeling it a "terrorist act" against revelers.

A source within Ukraine's defense forces confirmed that a strike had occurred but described the target as a closed military gathering inaccessible to civilians. The Ukrainian army reiterated that its operations focus exclusively on legitimate military objectives. Independent verification of either side's claims has not been possible, as the area remains under Russian control and access for journalists is restricted. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges in establishing facts amid conflicting narratives in the nearly four-year conflict.

Russia has controlled most of the Kherson region, including Khorly, since the early months of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The region has seen repeated exchanges of fire, with both sides accusing the other of targeting civilian infrastructure. Moscow's portrayal of the strike as an attack on New Year celebrations aligns with its frequent claims of Ukrainian "terrorism," while Kyiv maintains that it avoids civilian casualties and targets only Russian military assets in occupied territories.

Also Read: Trump Angered After Putin Claims Ukrainian Drone Attack on His Russian Residence

The reported deaths, if confirmed, would mark one of the deadliest single incidents in the occupied south in recent months. As the war enters its fifth year, such events continue to fuel mutual accusations and complicate efforts toward any potential de-escalation. International observers have called for independent investigations into alleged violations, though access remains limited in Russian-held areas. The conflicting accounts underscore the deep information divide in the protracted conflict.

Also Read: Trump Hosts Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago for Ukraine Peace Talks